RB138

RB138 is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C13H18N2O2. It is a derivative of the benzodiazepine class of drugs, specifically a triazolobenzodiazepine. RB138 was developed by the pharmaceutical company Roche as a potential anxiolytic agent, but it was never marketed due to its lack of efficacy and potential for abuse.

The structure of RB138 consists of a benzodiazepine ring fused to a triazole ring, with two nitrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms attached. This unique structure is believed to contribute to its anxiolytic properties, as it interacts with the benzodiazepine receptor in the brain, which is involved in the regulation of anxiety.

RB138 was first synthesized in the late 1980s and underwent several clinical trials in the 1990s. However, the results were disappointing, as RB138 showed little to no anxiolytic effect and was associated with a high incidence of side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness, and cognitive impairment. Additionally, RB138 was found to have a high potential for abuse, as it could produce a state of euphoria and relaxation similar to other benzodiazepines.

Despite these setbacks, RB138 remains an important compound in the field of psychopharmacology, as it has been used as a research tool to study the mechanisms of action of benzodiazepines and their potential for abuse. RB138 is also of interest to forensic toxicologists, as it can be found in the blood and urine of individuals who have ingested it, and its presence can be indicative of drug abuse.